Covalent Attachment of P15 Peptide to Ti Alloy Surface Modified with Polymer to Enhance Osseointegration of Implants

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are used in orthopedic and dental implants due to their excellent physical properties and biocompatibility. Although Ti exhibits superior osteoconductive properties compared to those of polymer-based implants, improved bone-on growth properties are required for enhanced surgical outcomes and improved recovery surgical interventions. Herein, we demonstrate a novel surface modification strategy to enhance the osteoconductivity of Ti surfaces through the grafting-from procedure of a reactive copolymer via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP). Then, postpolymerization conjugation of the P15 peptide, an osteoblast binding motif, was successfully carried out. Subsequent in vitro studies revealed that the surface modification promoted osteoblast attachment on the Ti discs at 6 and 24 h. Moreover, mineral matrix deposition by osteoblasts was greater for the surface-modified Ti than for plain Ti and P15 randomly absorbed onto the Ti surface. These results suggest that the strategy for postpolymerization incorporation of P15 onto a Ti surface with a polymer interface may provide improved osseointegration outcomes, leading to enhanced quality of life for patients.